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Originally Posted by Praxeas
That was my point. I said it depends on the audience. Grace to the humble, law to the proud etc etc.
I believe it does as well. I'll speak more to that later in this note
No this is my text to justify preaching/teaching what the bible does to those that need to hear it What the Bible does to those that need to hear it? I'm not sure what you mean.
warning people to turn to God or repent is a biblical precedent. Alter calls simply became a convenient way to lead people to Christ or repentance or an opportunity to be prayed for. Of course they can stay in their pews and do that too. Sure. And it's at once a "warning" but in reality such an incredible opportunity. I lean toward the latter. Altar appeals have value, but they've taken over the church and are now the focal point... and the place where the worst manipulation happens.
As I said, it was a warning. It wasn't all just preaching the gospel or "I love you"...God's love is essential, but not all people come to God just because you tell them "God loves you", generally unless they are really in a bad place and feeling lonely or something. What is the reason why we come to God? We come because we are sinners and He died for us and provides for us the means to become saved. Being told we are sinners or being guilty of sins is met with the Love of God. Law to the proud, grace to the humble.
Was The Revelation of Jesus a warning? That's how you summarize it? I'm not against being told we are sinners!!! But it's not a complete Gospel unless the entire focus of the Story, redemption, is announced. Its a joyful occassion. Kill the fatted calf. Rejoice.
Do WE give grace to the humble, law to the proud, or does GOD?
Certain kinds of preaching will bring a person to a realization that they are lost and worthy of death
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
GREAT point. Romans is my favorite example of this. None of the indictments were meant as an end-all to cause people to fear. The entire book is filled with HOPE not FEAR. We can't fully understand grace unless we fully understand the depravity of our condition, and the consequences of our sin.
As I said, it depends on who we are addressing and the pressing need they have. Do they need to hear or know they are sinners and separated from the Love of God and worth of Judgment? Maybe, maybe not. Or maybe they know that and need to hear the good news.
We are all worthy of judgement, Prax! Don't ALL need to know about the Grace of God? I'm convinced Grace works. It works!! "Backslider," "lukewarm" or unbeliever. It works. If it's not, I'd suggest we think about how we are telling the story.
Same with church members as Revelation shows us. What do they need to hear? A dire warning? Or words of encouragement? We find all that in those letters
Sill, we have a written example that Paul spoke to him, in the matters of Christ included "And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the Judgment to come"
Paul felt this audience needed to hear that  |
I think what's getting mixed here is that I don't believe we should talk about sin. That's not it at all. We can't understand the wonder of His grace until we know the misery of our current condition, status and wages earned.
What is being discussed is purposefully emotionally scaring people, (anything it takes, telling wild stories, I've heard some prophesy death if they don't come, I've heard some claim other awful things, I've heard so many times "this MAY be your last chance," I've heard false claims about the Coming of the LORD happening within x amount of years (or within the year), and other high pressure showdowns aimed at causing the person to "give in." )
Tell the story. Don't leave out details. But must we create an emotional showdown, complete with group pressure, false prophecies and erratic tales to get someone to "make the walk?"